The popular Mopar HEMI Challenge will return to the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis for the 13th consecutive year this upcoming Labor Day weekend, featuring the Mopar-powered SS/AH (Super Stock/A-Hemi) 1968 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas in a heads-up contest for bragging rights, glory, and a pile of cash from the folks at Mopar.
The Mopar HEMI Challenge debuted at Indy back in 2001, putting what was then the SS/AA class runoff on the big stage, with a lucrative cash payout and a primetime final round match under the lights during professional qualifying. The HEMI Challenge has become one of the top attractions of the world’s largest drag race, held at the historic Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
“We’re very proud of how popular our Mopar vehicles have remained since their introduction over 40 years ago, especially because of the passion we see from sportsman competitors and fans,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “We can’t emphasize enough how much the NHRA Sportsman drag racers that compete in the Mopar HEMI Challenge are truly the backbone of the sport. In recognizing our roots and their dedication to the brand and drag racing, we’re always looking at ways to improve competition and support our sportsman racers. We’re doing that with a very strong Contingency Program, the Mopar HEMI Challenge, the addition of the Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge, and our Sportsman Barbecues.”
“The Mopar HEMI Challenge has become an integral part of the world’s most prestigious drag race and the winners of this specialty event add to the lore of the race,” said Tom Compton, President of the NHRA. “To continue this partnership for 13 years shows the dedication and commitment Mopar has to the NHRA and to NHRA sportsman racing which is a key component in the sport of NHRA drag racing.”
Competitors in the SS/AH class will battle for the $15,000 top prize, the iconic HEMI Challenge trophy, and a custom Mopar winner’s jacket. New for this year, the race will also feature an added cash prize payout to the full 16-car field competing in the elimination rounds scheduled for Friday, August 30.
Bucky Hess won the inaugural HEMI Challenge in 2001, with Richard Beshore and Jerry Jenkins claiming the title in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Four-time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. followed Jenkins with a win in 2004 driving Harry Holton’s Barracuda. Charlie Westcott Jr. won his first of five HEMI Challenges in 2005, later adding wins in 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Other winners have included Rick Houser (2007), Charlie Westcott Sr. (2009), and Jim Daniels (2010).
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